History
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TWO COMMUNITIES – ONE VISION
From the beginning, parents of children with intellectual disabilities were looking to support their children in the communities where their families lived. Those were the days where there were no public school options and separate schools and sheltered work were more the norm. Through time families advocated for more inclusive education and large congregant living situations were dismantled. Living and working in the community became the expected norm.
1950’s and 1960’s: Parents in Dryden and Sioux Lookout began gathering to establish supports in both communities for their children.
1968 and 1974: Associations were incorporated in Dryden and Sioux Lookout respectively to support adults with intellectual disabilities.
1973: ARC Industries officially opened at 280 Arthur Street, Dryden.
1975: Davis-Wood Place was opened in Dryden, housing 15 people.
1975: Muriel Boyle Centre opened in Sioux Lookout, housing 15 people.
1976: Life Skills/Culture and Recreation programs were established in Sioux Lookout.
1978: A Work Adaptation program was established in Sioux Lookout.
1983: The Community Living Skills program was started in Dryden.
1988: Supported Employment Program started in Sioux Lookout.
1985: Community Volunteer Connections was formed as a way to link volunteers and developmentally disabled adults who have common interests.
1990’s: Sheltered Workshop ended and community contracts began in Dryden.
1992: Muriel Boyle Centre closed in Sioux Lookout and people moved to live in the community.
1998: The Family Home program was initiated in Sioux Lookout.
1998: Davis Wood Place closed down due to toxic mold issues and people moved to live in the community.
2000: The Ojibway Provincial Park partnership began with Community Living Sioux Lookout.
2001: The Healthy Generations Family Support Program joined Community Living Sioux Lookout, supporting children and families living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
2004: The MMW Video Conferencing Project was piloted in Dryden and Sioux Lookout, linking the agencies to clinical and psychological support services from Surrey Place Centre in Toronto.
2005: Community Living Sioux Lookout hosted the Community Living Ontario Conference bringing delegates to the North for the annual event.
2006: The Family Home program started in Dryden.
2009: Community Living Dryden-Sioux Lookout was formed through an amalgamation of the two agencies.
2020: Ojibway partnership ended due to the Pandemic.
2020: Congregant Day Programs closed permanently and was replaced with individualized Community Participation.
2023: Community Living Dryden-Sioux Lookout became compliant with the new ONCA Bylaws and Articles.
2023: Community Living Dryden-Sioux Lookout was awarded a 3-year Accreditation from CARF International and received a Certificate of Excellence.
AS AN ORGANIZATION WE ARE ON
A JOURNEY AS WE SEEK TO LIVE OUR VISION
No Barriers… Just Life
Full inclusion as participating citizens of the community is our dream for all. Together with those we support, we aim to make that dream a reality.